National City, CA Neighborhood Guide

Overview

National City sits in the South Bay region of San Diego County on San Diego Bay. It is bordered by the city of San Diego to the north and west, San Diego Bay to the west, Chula Vista to the south, and Lincoln Acres and unincorporated San Diego County to the east. ZIP code 91950 covers most of the city.

National City is the second-oldest incorporated city in San Diego County, incorporated on September 17, 1887. It is known today for the Mile of Cars auto dealership corridor, Westfield Plaza Bonita mall, and an active waterfront and trolley corridor.

The Mile of Cars, a mile-long stretch of National City Boulevard, comprises 21 new-car dealerships and has operated as an auto row since the mid-20th century. Westfield Plaza Bonita, a regional shopping mall at 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, anchors retail in the city's eastern portion. The waterfront includes Pepper Park, a 5.5-acre bayfront park next to Pier 32 Marina with a fishing pier and boat launch. National City is served directly by two San Diego Trolley Blue Line stations, at 8th Street and 24th Street, both opened in 1981.

Things to Do

• Mile of Cars — a historic mile-long auto dealership corridor along National City Boulevard with 21 dealerships; hosts the annual Cars and Culture Festival.
• Westfield Plaza Bonita — a regional shopping mall with department stores, a 14-screen AMC theatre, and dining.
• Pepper Park — a 5.5-acre bayfront park next to Pier 32 Marina with a fishing pier, boat launch, and bay views; anchors the city's public art walk.
• Kimball Park — the city's largest park, with a walking trail, ball fields, a skate park, basketball courts, and a recreation center.
• National City Aquatic Center — a public waterfront recreation facility on the Sweetwater Channel offering kayaking, rowing, and sailing programs.

The city hosts the National City Cars and Culture Festival each August (for example, Aug. 23, 2026) and a weekly National City Farmers Market.

Dining and Shopping

Westfield Plaza Bonita anchors shopping in National City with Macy's, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, and a Target, plus food and entertainment including a 14-screen AMC theatre. The Mile of Cars brings together 21 new-car franchise dealerships along National City Boulevard. The National City Farmers Market runs weekly and is operated with the National City Chamber of Commerce at 901 National City Blvd.

Schools

National City is served by the National School District for grades TK-6 and the Sweetwater Union High School District for grades 7-12. The National School District operates 10 public K-6 campuses (one also offers preschool) plus WINGS extended-day and summer programs. Sweetwater Union High School District, headquartered in Chula Vista, operates four campuses in National City, including its founding school, Sweetwater High School, established in 1920 and serving grades 9-12.

School data provided by GreatSchools. Learn more from the National School District and Sweetwater Union High School District.

Getting Around

National City is reached by Interstate 5, Interstate 805, and State Route 54. The San Diego Trolley Blue Line stops at the 8th Street station and the 24th Street station, which includes the National City Transit Center with park-and-ride. MTS bus routes also serve the city.

Housing and Market

The median sale price in National City was $700,000 for the three months ending May 2026.

By the Numbers

Demographic figures are from the ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates for National City city, California. Scores provided by Walk Score®.

Know Before You Buy

Portions of the city's western waterfront and the 8th Street trolley station area are near industrial shipyard and port operations, including the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard on the adjacent San Diego waterfront. The Mile of Cars corridor and Interstate 5/Interstate 805 frontage carry heavier vehicle traffic and associated noise.

National City's short-term rental ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 6.30) caps short-term rental permits citywide at 180 units, requires operator permits and 24-hour property oversight, sets quiet hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and applies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax; it does not grandfather existing rentals. Accessory dwelling units (Municipal Code 18.30.380) and junior accessory dwelling units (18.30.390) may not be rented for periods under 30 days.

History

The land that became National City was part of the 26,000-acre Rancho de la Nación, purchased by Frank Kimball and his brothers Warren and Levi on June 15, 1868, for $30,000. Frank Kimball named the settlement National City and developed its early roads, wharf, and rail connections. The city was incorporated on September 17, 1887, making it the second-oldest incorporated city in San Diego County.

Nearby Neighborhoods

National City borders Chula Vista, San Diego, and Lincoln Acres.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Mile of Cars in National City known for?

The Mile of Cars is a mile-long stretch of National City Boulevard with 21 new-car dealerships that has operated as an auto row since the mid-20th century. It hosts the annual Cars and Culture Festival each August.

What ZIP code is National City, CA in?

ZIP code 91950 covers most of National City.

Is National City on the San Diego Trolley Blue Line?

Yes. National City is served directly by two Blue Line stations, 8th Street and 24th Street, both opened in 1981. The 24th Street station includes the National City Transit Center with park-and-ride.

What school districts serve National City?

National City is served by the National School District for grades TK-6, which operates 10 public K-6 campuses, and the Sweetwater Union High School District for grades 7-12, which operates four campuses in the city including Sweetwater High School.

What is the median home price in National City, CA?

The median sale price in National City was $700,000 for the three months ending May 2026.

What are the short-term rental (Airbnb) rules in National City?

National City's short-term rental ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 6.30) caps short-term rental permits citywide at 180 units, requires operator permits and 24-hour property oversight, sets quiet hours of 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and applies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax. It does not grandfather existing rentals, and ADUs and JADUs may not be rented for periods under 30 days.

How far is National City from downtown San Diego?

An exact drive or transit time to downtown San Diego is not published in the source data, but National City borders the city of San Diego directly to the north and west and connects via Interstate 5, Interstate 805, and two San Diego Trolley Blue Line stations within the city.

What shopping is near National City, such as Westfield Plaza Bonita?

Westfield Plaza Bonita, at 3030 Plaza Bonita Road, anchors retail in the city's eastern portion with department stores including Macy's, Nordstrom Rack, H&M, and a Target, plus a 14-screen AMC theatre and dining. The Mile of Cars, with 21 new-car dealerships, runs along National City Boulevard.